NAFA Connection

Booth space at the NAFA 2009 Institute and Expo is getting snapped up at a record pace. This event is one of the largest fleet management events in the world. It's only eight months away, so reservations are being placed on a daily basis.  Reserve your space and become an I&E sponsor today!

To reserve your space, contact Janet Williams, jwilliams@cmgexpo.com, or 703.934.4700.  Save the dates: the 2009 I& E takes place April 25-28, 2009 at the New Orleans Morial Convention Center. Show dates are Sunday and Monday, April 26 & 27, 2009.

NAFA is constantly looking for ways to improve its Certified Automotive Fleet Manager (CAFM) program and contribute to the success of its candidates. As issues arise, or ideas are brought to the table, NAFA's Certification Board evaluates them to determine how the CAFM program can be improved.

FLAGFA and the NAFA Sunshine State Chapter will again team up for a combined conference, September 17-19, 2008 at the Plaza Resort and Spa in Daytona Beach, Fla.

Speakers and topics will hit the mark, focusing on many current issues facing fleet managers, including adoption of the California Low Emission Vehicle Standards by the state of Florida; on/off highway diesel emission issues; OBDII for trucks in 2010 and beyond; Allison Transmission issues; the 2009 Sheriff's Association Vehicle and Equipment Bid; California Low Emission Vehicle Standards and idle rule making; hybrid electric diesel technology; hybrid trucks from a user perspective; and the heavy duty truck manufacturers' forum.

NAFA's Fleet Management Seminars have provided fleet professionals with the most comprehensive information and training in the industry. Due to high demand, NAFA has created an Advanced Fleet Management Seminar for seasoned professionals or those enrolled in the CAFM program.  

Open to all fleet management professionals, the Advanced Fleet Manager Seminar is recommended for fleet managers with five or more years of experience. The seminar will be broken down into eight sessions, each session covering one of the discipline modules of the CAFM program. Members of the Certification Board will also take place in a question-and-answer segment at the end of each session.

Sign up for both seminars and recieve bonus savings! Fleet managers with less than five years of experience can spend a week immersed in fleet education by attending the NAFA Fleet Management Seminar on Oct. 15-17 and the Advanced Fleet Manager Seminar. A package deal for both seminars (which will save attendees $200 if they sign up for both by Sept. 19), is available from NAFA. In addition, fleet managers who either sign up for the Advanced Fleet Manager Seminar, or sign up for both seminars, may take the CAFM exam on Oct. 20 with the exam fee waived. To register, visit www.nafa.org/afms.

After nearly 40 years with Pfizer and legacy companies, Ed Oleksy, Senior Director Global Fleet, is retiring. 

"I always said I started my training for the corporate fleet business when I worked for Nicks's Flying A at 16; I was pumping gas and doing tune-ups and oil changes.Who knew at that time I would be able to spend almost all of my corporate years working in a business that I loved, cars," Oleksy said. "In the late 70s my boss offered me the opportunity to take over one of our consumer fleets; I jumped at the opportunity and here I am, 30 years later." 

A new device by Ford Motor Company will reduce blind spot risk and aid in driver safety. The Blind Spot Mirror will be released this fall, as standard equipment on the 2009 Ford Edge.

The Blind Spot Mirror is a traditional side view mirror designed with a secondary convex spotter in the top outer corner, providing a view of the driver's blind spot. When traffic enters the driver's blind spot on either side of the vehicle, it is visible in the secondary convex mirror, alerting the driver of potential danger. 

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety found in a recent report that Blind Spot detection and warning systems could prevent 457,000 crashes each year in the United States. Years before this report, in 1999, the NHTSA predicted that warning systems in general could prevent 336,000 road departure crashes per year.

GE Capital Solutions Fleet Services' enhanced online vehicle configurator combines timely manufacturer vehicle data with an easy-to-use workflow tool. The result is significant time savings for fleet managers. Up-to-date manufacturer information and pricing makes the vehicle selection process for fleet managers fast, simple and accurate.

The CAW has reached a settlement with General Motors, covering the closure of the Oshawa truck plant scheduled for July 1, 2009. The settlement is a resolution to the grievance filed by the union following the June 3 closure announcement, which came only two weeks after signing the collective agreement.

The morning following the closure announcement, CAW Local 222 members moved quickly to blockade GM's Canadian headquarters in an effort to demonstrate the closure's severe impact on workers and the frustration many were feeling about the sudden about-face by General Motors.

Included in the settlement are new product commitments for the adjacent car plant, which will partially offset the job loss from the truck plant closure. There will also be retirement incentives, a retirement grow-in and a buyout program for those who will permanently leave the company. General Motors has agreed that the facility will not be demolished during the life of the agreement.

Toyota and Lexus models have earned 11 segment awards, out of a possible 19, in the 2008 J.D. Power and Associates Vehicle Dependability StudySM (VDS); more than any other manufacturer, for the third consecutive year. The VDS is one of many vehicle surveys that continue to consistently rank Toyota and Lexus at the top of their respective studies.

The VDS study tracks the number and type of problems owners have had with their vehicles over a three-year period, with this year's study focusing on the 2005 model year. Lexus was the top nameplate for the 14th consecutive year, with 120 problems per 100 vehicles. In the study, Lexus received six segment awards and Toyota earned five awards. Overall, every Lexus passenger car or luxury utility vehicle either led its segment or finished second to another Lexus.

For the past 19 years (since 1990), the Toyota nameplate has consistently ranked among the top five non-luxury brands. Prius, the world's best-selling gas-electric hybrid, led the Compact Car segment and continues to prove that a gas-electric hybrid vehicle with many cutting-edge technology features can also set a standard for long-term durability.

Azure Dynamics Corporation, a leading developer of hybrid electric and electric powertrains for commercial vehicles, has signed sales and service agreements with two additional Ford dealerships, Northside Ford in San Antonio and Carmenita Ford in Los Angeles.

The new dealership agreements are part of Azure's effort to enlist approximately 50 dealers over the next year in major metro markets in the United States and Canada, to broaden its distribution network for its Balance(TM) Hybrid Electric Vehicle. The dealerships will maintain inventory of ready-to-deliver Cube Vans and Walk-in Vans equipped with Azure's Balance(TM) Hybrid Electric powertrains. These two newly signed dealerships are located in the high volume markets of San Antonio and Los Angeles.

Individuals and organizations with 25 or more trucks, tractors or other heavy vehicles used on highways are now required to make their excise tax filings with the Internal Revenue Service electronically, rather than by paper.

Form 2290, for the Heavy Highway Vehicle Use Tax Return, is used to report and pay highway-use excise taxes.   Last year, truckers and others filed over 700,000 Form 2290s and paid over $1 billion in federal highway use taxes. E-filing of Form 2290 began in August 2007.

Although electronically-filing Form 2290 is not required for taxpayers reporting fewer than 25 vehicles, all taxpayers are encouraged to file their forms electronically. Most Form 2290s are due by August 31.

To file electronically, taxpayers need to select an approved transmitter/software provider for Form 2290.   More Form 2290 information is available on the IRS Web site. In addition to Form 2290, Form 720, the Quarterly Federal Excise Tax Return form, and Form 8849,  the Claim for Refund of Excise Tax, may also be filed electronically.

Announced in Ottawa, Minister Cannon highlighted that these low-speed trucks are environmentally friendly and embody the government's go-getting environmental agenda.  Even though LSVs provide a much lower level of safety than conventional types of vehicles, they can be used safely on university campuses or resorts, where the maximum speed is at a lower level and the presence of larger, faster vehicles is controlled.

Of critical importance, the safety standards for LSVs do not coincide with those of other motor vehicle classes. The Minister made it very clear that while LSVs are good for the environment, the safety of Canadians should not be compromised.  The federal Motor Vehicle Safety Regulations have always required that LSVs be powered by an electric motor; produce no emissions; have four wheels; and drive at a maximum speed of between 32 km/h and 40 km/h.

The Government of Canada continues to support cleaner transportation solutions and remains committed to providing the current high level of safety on Canada's roads.  The final amendment was published on August 6, 2008, in the Canada Gazette, Part II.

Legislation has been introduced in the Senate by Sen. Debbie Stabenow (D-MI) and Sen. George Voinovich (R-OH) to provide tax credits for the purchase and installation of truck safety technologies. The Safety Technology Act (S 3428) provides tax credits for the purchase and installation of a "Qualified Commercial Vehicle Advanced Safety System," such as a brake stroke monitoring system, lane departure warning system, collision warning system, or vehicle stability system. 

The legislation focuses on four key points: providing a tax credit equal to 50% of the cost of a qualified system, up to $1,500; allowing for a total credit of up to $3,500 per vehicle; limiting the qualifying taxpayer to a maximum credit of $350,000 per taxable year; and extending credit eligibility for the purchase of school buses, intercity buses and vehicles used in commerce weighing over 26,000 lbs.  

S. 3428 is a companion bill to H.R. 3820 introduced last October in the House of Representatives.  For government and nonprofit fleets, the legislation takes the same approach as the EPAct tax credits:  the tax credit goes to the seller, "but only if such person clearly discloses to such person or entity in a document the amount of any credit allowable."

EPA Says No to Texas

The Energy Policy Act of 2005 established the RFS program – and included amendments to the Clean Air Act to set strict criteria for RFS-related waivers. RFS nationwide volume mandates were increased in the Energy Independence and Security Act, which was signed into law in December 2007. 

Fleets with 25 or More Heavy Vehicles Now Must File Excise Tax Forms Electronically

Fleets with 25 or more trucks, tractors or other heavy vehicles used on highways are now required to make their excise tax filings with the Internal Revenue Service electronically, rather than by paper.  Form 2290, the Heavy Highway Vehicle Use Tax Return, is used to report and pay highway-use excise taxes.  

Following extensive analysis, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Stephen L. Johnson announced his decision to deny a request submitted by the State of Texas to reduce the nationwide Renewable Fuels Standard.  As a result, the required total volume of renewable fuels, such as ethanol and biodiesel, mandated by law to be blended into the fuel supply will remain at 9 billion gallons in 2008 and 11.1 billion gallons in 2009.

EPA conducted detailed analysis, consulted closely with the Departments of Energy and agriculture, and carefully considered more than 15,000 public comments in response to the Texas request. This is the first RFS-related waiver request.  In a Federal Register notice, EPA is publishing a detailed rationale that will also serve as a framework for any future waiver considerations. For more information visit http://www.epa.gov/otaq/renewablefuels.

In addition, the law also promotes development of renewable power sources; authorizes long term contracts for renewable energy producers; allows utilities to install solar panels in individual's homes; and it gives residential and commercial owners maximum benefit from the solar and wind power that they install themselves by allowing them to sell excess energy back into the electric grid.  Click here for more information on the Green Communities Act.

Canada's Environment Minister, John Baird, launched another important regulatory phase as part of the Government's aggressive Turning the Corner Action Plan to reduce greenhouse gases. Minister Baird released the first of three guides that will lead to creation this fall of Canada's Offset System for Greenhouse Gases.

The Offset System is a component of Canada's Turning the Corner Plan, which also includes carbon trading, credit for early action, and a technology fund. It provides businesses with the option of using credits to meet mandatory greenhouse gas emission reduction targets.

Canada's Offset System for Greenhouse Gases: Guide for Protocol Developers provides detailed information on how to prepare and complete an Offset System Quantification Protocol. A protocol describes the approach to identify and measure greenhouse gas reductions from eligible projects under Canada's Offset System. Proposed greenhouse gas regulations are expected to be published for public consultation in the Canada Gazette later this year, and the regulations finalized in 2009 to come into force as planned on Jan. 1, 2010.

The Government's Turning the Corner Action Plan requires big industry to take action to cut their greenhouse gas emissions. In addition, the plan has tough, tougher and toughest measures for new oil sands projects, requiring them to implement carbon capture and storage technology. It also will essentially ban the construction of dirty coal-fired power plants. Click here for more information on the Turning the Corner Action Plan.

Clean Fuels Ohio is unveiled its Ohio Green Fleets Program and logo on Aug. 13 at the Whittier Peninsula. Whittier Peninsula is a joint reclamation project of the Audubon Society, Columbus Metro Parks and City of Columbus.

Fleet Acquisition and Disposal Guide

Fuel Management Guide

Keep Cool in a NAFA-T! This white, 100 percent cotton T-shirt will make all your friends jealous when they see the blue NAFA name across the front. Make this shirt part of your summer ensemble by clicking here. 

New Job Postings This Issue

NAFA maintains a file of fleet managers' resumes that are provided to employers who don't choose to publicly announce job openings. If you would like NAFA to have your resume on file, mail it to Maureen Smith, NAFA, Inc., 125 Village Blvd., Suite 200, Princeton, NJ 08540, or fax it to 609.452.8004. Resumes can also be emailed to Maureen Smith at msmith@nafa.org.

Members Benefit You:

Those participating in the 2008 Membership Drive between now and Nov. 30 will earn a $10 coupon good toward any NAFA product – as long as your name is in the SPONSOR line on a new application. You will also have a chance to win a free registration to the 2009 Institute & Expo in New Orleans, April 25-28, 2009. Up to five lucky participants will win this prize!

For each new fleet manager, a NAFA member recruits between June 1 and Nov. 30, 2008, one ticket will be entered in a drawing to win a free I&E registration. Be a promoter and spread the word! To get Membership Drive details, download applications and review ideas on how to get started, visit www.nafa.org/2008drive. Winners will be announced January 2009, and up to five free registrations will be awarded.

NAFA's FleetED is designed to help you quickly find references and educational resources that you need now.

e-Communities offer members the chance to reach colleagues and share ideas when they need to -- anytime, anywhere! These virtual neighborhoods allow members to easily e-mail others within that community with specific fleet questions. As a subscriber to e-Communities, you will be able to:

• view real-time activity between other subscribed members within the group(s) you subscribe to.
• share your knowledge and assist a fellow member in need, access lists of subscribers for each group and access a history of inquiries posted to e-Communities.

Some of the topics include alternative fuels, disaster relief, fleet maintenance, global fleet, law enforcement, and many more! Come be a part of NAFA's community!

To visit e-Communities, please click here.

Have you been promoted? Is your company moving? Did you get a new job? Are you retiring? Remember to notify NAFA about these and other changes.